There are many differences between small schools and large schools. These ten reasons are what led me to choose a small school, which in fact was not what I was expecting myself to choose. I chose Olivet College, because I want the authentic small school experience.

1. Relationships

With smaller classes and plenty of face-to-face interaction with fellow classmates, professors and advisers, relationships are bound to form. You are able to learn what types of people you work best and worst with, meanwhile still working together regardless.

2. Success

College is the time to get serious about what you want to pursue in life. Being able to talk with people you look up to, job shadow, and get internships is HUGE. Smaller colleges take care of their people and use their connections to set up personal experiences for students.

3. Professor Attention

Rather than solely depending on study groups and teacher assistants, the professors themselves are reachable. Whether it be a specific question about the current project, a discussion about how you have something going on in your personal life that's interfering with your ability to participate mentally in class, or if you need a recommendation- professors are much easier to reach at smaller schools.

4. Connections Beyond School

With the support of an internship coordinator, you are able to gain hands-on experience in the setting of jobs that interest you. Opportunities are lined up for you. An internship coordinator takes you under their wing. Your success is their success.

5. Smaller Classes

With smaller classes, it's easy to have class discussions even outside the classroom. The class becomes more of a family if anything. It's easy to get together, walk a short distance to the library and use one of the study rooms.

6. Visibility

Everyone is noticed. It would be very hard to get lost in the sea of only twenty students or so. If you're having a bad day, someone will notice; hopefully, it'll be more likely that someone will address you and see if there is anything they can do to help. No one gets left behind. The class's success depends on working together, taking the time to get to know one another and how each individual works.

7. Freedom To Create Your Experience

At smaller colleges, there are fewer broad majors. You are able to dabble into other areas. Smaller colleges can either be more conservative or more liberal.

8. Strong Advising

Advisers are linked with x amount of students, x is a far lesser value at smaller colleges. Therefore, your advisers will make sure you're adjusting well, aware of opportunities, receiving financial aid, and much more.

9. The Professors Are The Ones Teaching, Not Teacher Assistants

It's a common trend at larger schools that teacher assistants are the ones guiding the class's content and helping grade papers. Whereas at smaller colleges, there's no need for teacher assistants. There are far fewer students, allowing the professor to guide the class and have the time for grading themselves.

10. Community

There is nothing greater than feeling that you belong. You are a part of the spirit and evolution of something so unique. Football is a way of life in small college towns. Alumni always come back to the town and college that built them from the ground up. There are always various community service opportunities. In fact, there are alternative breaks that students can go on to help people in need near or far. Wherever the students go, they portrait a family picture in the way they work together and know each other on a deeper level.

No matter the size of the school you choose, or chose, I hope that you're satisfied. May your education and experiences build you into who you wish to be.